Contributed Photo
Mount Kilimanjaro. Serengeti National Park. Beaches of Zanzibar.These are a few of the reasons why Tanzania lures visitors. But there is a fourth reason for Fairfield University students: study abroad.
The newest African study abroad program is an example of the multiculturalism that Fairfield promotes and is consistent with national trends that indicate an increased interest in unconventional programs.
Embodying Multiculturalism
“Tanzania is an inclusive society because it is multi-ethnic and poly-religious,” said Chris Johnson, the director of International Programs.
Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital, contains a multitude of ethnic groups, religions and languages and is a living example of the multiculturalism that Fairfield strives for.
“One of our challenges is to create opportunities to immerse students in cultural differences,” said Johnson.
The Tanzania program aspires to live up to these words by immersing students in the community by requiring that they teach courses at a local Jesuit high school.
Prior to the trip, students spend one week intensively studying Swahili. To further cultural immersion, students either live with host families or in a dormitory with a Tanzanian student.
“I have really gotten to embrace and immerse myself in the culture [by living] with a host family,” said Pamela Perrimon, an anthropology and theatre major studying in Tanzania this semester.
The hallmark of a Jesuit education, as reiterated on the Fairfield University study abroad page, is for students to “understand, embrace, celebrate, and respect cultural and ethnic differences.”
While Fairfield University has been sending students abroad for over 30 years to fulfill this Jesuit ethos, sending students to Africa was a rarity.
Three years ago, Fairfield started searching for an African program that was safe, attractive and had a strong Jesuit presence to provide a rich cultural exchange, said Johnson.
Tanzania has avoided the internal conflicts that has plagued many of its African neighbors and enjoys a stable democracy.
Safety Concerns
Tanzania remains one of the poorest countries in the world with 36 percent of the population living below the poverty line, according to the CIA World FactBook.
The U.S. Department of State website still warns tourists that crime is a serious problem and that visitors must be alert and cautious at all times.
“Safety will always be a concern [in any program] … As long as you are wary of your surroundings and make good decisions, everything will be fine,” said Perrimon.
Consistent with National Trends
Western Europe remains the most popular destination for students enrolled in American colleges, according to the Institute of International Education.
Florence is Fairfield’s most popular program, said Chris Johnson.
The Bowdoin Orient explains that as a national trend, student interest in unconventional programs has increased across colleges.
“Students who choose unconventional programs want an experience to give them a new perspective on the world or a leg up in the job market,” said Johnson. “Tanzania on a resume leaps out to potential employers.”
Only four students are in Tanzania this semester, although Johnson hopes this number will increase in the future.
Not for Everyone
“Tanzania won’t appeal to all students,” said Johnson. While all majors can be accommodated, it is really for the student looking for an adventure and one who wants to be different from everyone else.
Students around campus have varied in levels of enthusiasm for the program. Most were skeptical about the program because of safety concerns and its obscurity.
“No, I would not have considered Tanzania,” said Brittany Putnam ’11 who studied abroad in France. “I can’t even locate the country on a map.”
However, Anita Lee ’11 who studied abroad in Galway and China, is more encouraging.
“Unconventional programs force you to interact with the culture and to make foreign friends,” said Lee. “It is easier to embrace multiculturalism when half of your Fairfield friends are not in Europe.”
Tebben Lopez ’14 is one potential participant. “I will consider it. It would be a great opportunity to immerse myself in a culture in a very different part of the world,” she said.
While Tanzania is an obscure country with soaring poverty and crime statistics, Perrimon resolutely recommends the program.
“We have such a unique program that it would be an experience of a lifetime for any student,” said Perrimon.
Johnson added, “In Florence you have world renowned art galleries. In Tanzania the real art galleries are in the people and everyday life.”
Tanzania offers unique cultural immersion opportunities and experiences that Western Europe cannot provide.
Leave a Reply